Exchanged Read online

  The path opened into a clearing that looked to be a well-tended garden. Viridescent shrubs lined the perimeter of trees, filled in with flowers of every color imaginable. Lithe trees sprung up in what little spaces were left, not nearly as tall as their forest counterparts but providing delicate canopies of shade.

  Aubriel froze. The mysterious man stood at the opposite end of the clearing. His back was to her as he touched the bark of a strange tree she’d never seen before. He was as tall as she remembered, and his skin faintly reflected the silver—not white—of his hair. Cautiously, she began to walk toward him. Now that she’d found him, she intended to receive explanations.

  Warmth pulsed through her. It almost lured her into lowering her guard, but she knew better than that. Elston hadn’t shied away from attacking her when she opposed him, and there was no telling if the man before her would do the same in a similar situation. He had healed her and given her what he called a bond, but at what price?

  Bree stepped into his field of view, making sure there was a generous distance between them. His only reaction was to glance at her and smile before turning his attention back to the tree. When she saw him in profile, she noticed how fine his clothing was. His silk doublet was a deep forest green embroidered with silver leaves and vines. A rich purple cloak hung over his shoulders, its color gently shifting under her eyes like the sky when night fell. Such exquisite fabric was nonexistent in Viget.

  “This is a rare tree.” His voice was smooth and deep, startling her from staring. He spoke Elvish, but an older form of it. “Its bark has magical properties that are quite powerful. It requires great care when it’s a sapling, but the effort is well worth the reward.”

  Curious, Aubriel stepped close to the tree—not quite opposite the man—and placed her hands on it. The bark was velvety soft under her touch. She looked up at the branches in wonder and saw exotic patterns on the leaves. Any dubious thoughts she had about the tree truly being magical were gone.

  “It’s a necessary ingredient for many of my spells and wards,” he said, as if reading the question on her mind.

  “It’s useful and beautiful.”

  “Yes, but there is no comparison when you stand beside it.”

  She pulled her hands from the tree too quickly, giving away her surprise. She self-consciously ran her fingers over her dirty hunting clothes. Don’t let him fool you. “That’s...kind of you to say, especially considering your cloak is more fine than any piece of clothing I’ve ever owned.”

  His face didn’t falter. What was this man doing in the middle of the forest speaking to her? Aubriel liked the way she looked, but she was by no means the prettiest elf from her village. Her lithe form was more athletic than dainty, her pink hair odd, her nails short and crooked, and there had never been much point in trying to make up her face. She kept his necklace from being stolen, and he was obviously grateful, but why feign interest in her? What did he have to gain?

  “You have not given me your name,” he said, his smile teasing.

  She hesitated. “Aubriel, but I’m also called Bree.”

  “I’m Lord Callannon Thray.” He bowed, not taking his eyes from her face. “Perhaps you would prefer something more suitable to wear while you are here.”

  Her gaze followed his hand as he motioned to her, and when she looked down, her breath caught in a silent cry. The dirty hunting clothes were gone, replaced by a beautiful gold and white dress that clung to her torso and flowed out from her hips. She felt for her braid, but her hair was pinned atop her head and ornamented with a hair comb that felt as valuable as the sapphire artifact had seemed. She looked up at Lord Thray, surprised and confused.

  “You’re quite beautiful,” he said quietly.

  Bree’s heart skipped, but her trepidation spiked. He was good. He almost made her believe that he had no ulterior motive, but she was determined not to be fooled again. “Lord Thray, this dress is breathtaking, but I cannot accept it. It’s too fine, and I would ruin it, living in the forest as I am.”

  “Please, you may call me Callannon, and don’t worry about the dress. This is only a dream, and all looks this way because I wish it.” He motioned to the clearing. “Currently, our surroundings are fashioned as my garden.”

  “What do you mean when you say dream? I think I would know if I were dreaming.”

  Watching him blink in and out of existence Aubriel could accept. Feeling the warm bond inside her, she could ignore for a time. But dreaming? She wished it were so simple. If it were, she would choose to awaken in her home and have Elston be a good, distant paladin who was never given any map and had never approached her to be his guide.

  “I assure you, this is a dream.” Callannon snapped his fingers. The garden abruptly turned to sand, the trees at the edge of the clearing to frothy waves. Aubriel grasped at the plush tree trunk that remained standing sturdily next to her. It felt real, but the cool, salty breeze seemed real too. He snapped again, and the twilight garden returned. She slowly released the tree. “Was that...the ocean?”

  He chuckled softly. “An ocean, yes. As I was saying, the dress is no trouble, but if you do not wish to wear it, I can return you to your original clothing.”

  Bree looked down at the undeniably beautiful gown. “If the dress is merely part of a dream, then I shall continue to wear it.”

  “I’m glad you agree. Would you like to sit?” He motioned to the clearing, where a small table and chairs now resided.

  Dear Rabek, is this how all noble, magic-wielding lords act, or is he just showing off?

  She began to step forward but stopped when he put his arm out to block her. What was it now? Hadn’t he just suggested sitting? “Is there something else?”

  Callannon slowly took her hand and bent to kiss it. Warmth spread over her face. He gently looped her arm through his and led her to the table. She pulled her arm free and made to sit but quickly straightened as he pulled the chair away from her. What was...oh, now he wanted her to sit. She made to sit again, slower this time, and he pushed the chair under her. Aubriel was not completely unaware of the customs displayed by those of higher status, but this was the first time she had been on the receiving end of them.

  He sat opposite her and motioned to the delicate display of food and drink before them. “Please, help yourself.”

  She eyed the delicious-looking fruit and wine suspiciously. He might not mean to poison her, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t trying to slip her some other kind of potion or concoction. But if this was only a dream, none of what was happening was truly real, and she was forced to admit that it was probably safe. Callannon wasted no time slicing a peach and pouring himself a glass of wine. Relaxing slightly, she plucked a few grapes from their stems. Would this dream food fill her stomach?

  “You must try the royal butter,” Callannon said, gathering the rich, yellow substance with an ornate knife and spreading it on a small slice of bread.

  A grape fell from Bree’s hand and rolled off the table and onto the grass. “Royal butter?”

  “Yes, from the Summer Kingdom.”

  That was it. Aubriel clenched her hands and straightened in her chair. “The Summer Kingdom? I don’t want to hear another word unless you plan on explaining yourself. You’ve been giving me just enough information to keep me complacent, all the while making your plans and using me for your own purposes. Just like Elston. I’m sorry that he tried to steal your artifact, and I’m sorry that I stupidly led him to it, thinking he would act honorably. It was gracious of you to see to my safety, but if the only things you’re going to tell me are the things to keep me longing for you while you go off and play your games, then I want no further part in this.”

  Callannon’s smile softened, and he stayed quiet, keeping his silver eyes on her as she spoke. He placed the slice of bread on his plate and gave a small bow of his head. “Of course. If there is ever anything you need, please let me know. I apologize for not explaining sooner. This seems new to you, and I wanted to make sur
e you were comfortable, but of course you have concerns. Ask me any question, and I will do my best to answer it.”

  She searched his face, waiting for him to break his veneer, but he only sat patiently. “First, who are you?” She glanced over his silvery skin. “And second, what are you?”

  “I am advisor to King Oberon of the Summer Kingdom. As for what I am, I suppose you could call me an archfey.”

  “An archfey,” she whispered. “You’re a fey?”

  It made sense, in a way: the strange little copse, the magic, the twilight garden. Mothers told stories of fey to elflings, but Bree had never heard of one actually being sighted. Fey were usually depicted as selfish tricksters at best. Did that make Callannon a good actor, or could he really be trusted? “Let’s pretend I believe you. If you’re a noble and powerful fey, why make a bond with me? Why visit me in a dream? You’ve taken your artifact and put it someplace safe, I assume, so why return to me at all?”

  “You protected what was mine when you did not know me. I wanted to show my appreciation, so I bonded with you in order to find and help you in the future. We are connected by my magic, Aubriel.”

  The way he said her name in his deep voice brought the heat back to her face. “If you created this bond, I can only assume you will require more from me.”

  “Require?” Callannon said with an amused smile. “I may ask for your help, but my gift does not come with any requirements. I created the bond because I wished to, and I do not expect anything in return. For now, I simply ask that you allow me to visit now and again to see how you are doing. Would that be acceptable?”

  It was too easy. There had to be more, but she couldn’t figure out what. “Lord Callannon, if you are advisor to the king, you must have a great many things requiring your time. I do not wish to inconvenience you.”

  His smile changed, but she was still incapable of discerning his motives. “Callannon,” he insisted. “There is no reason for you to use my title.”

  “I see. Tell me, what does this bond do? How does it work?”

  “To describe it briefly, it works by drawing on the magic that I’ve placed in you, creating a tangible link. It is how I am able to connect with you in the dreamscape. I used it only so I could find you once more and thank you more properly for your selflessness. Perhaps you will allow me to meet with you again, and I could show you some of my magic. I want to show you much, but it will require time.”

  Of course it does. How else would you use me if it didn't? I’ll accept, for now, but what are you really hiding from me? She thought carefully about how to respond. “If you’re willing to answer my questions and show me the workings of your magic, and you will require nothing from me, then I am open to meeting with you again.”

  “Then it’s settled,” he said. “I’m afraid I must go now, but I will visit again in a day or two. You will be fine until then?”

  “I will.”

  His smiling face grew thoughtful.

  Bree opened her mouth to ask what he was thinking, but she blinked and found that Callannon and the beautiful garden had become coarse canvas. Continuing to blink did not return them, and it was a moment before she realized she was in her bedroll, staring at the roof of her tent. She shot up and looked around. Her clothing! She looked down to see herself wearing her night shift instead of the shimmering gown. It all had been a dream, but warmth flowed through her stronger than before.

  ~*~

  The following night passed without incident. Aubriel attempted to distract herself by hunting, storing food, making tools, and constantly reminding herself that she had to be cautious and guarded around the mysterious fey lord. She set up traps and gathered spare wood. She couldn’t return to the village any more now than she could before her trip to the dreamscape, not when she was still ignorant of what happened to Elston. All thoughts of the duplicitous paladin who used to send her heart fluttering fled the moment Lord Callannon had smiled at her. Her heart sped up traitorously at the thought of the lord bending to kiss her hand, his eyes never leaving hers.

  Such thoughts won’t help me convince the village that Elston was trying to steal the artifact or that he attacked me. Rabek knows what really happened, but it’s not like I can ask her to speak to everyone on my behalf.

  Elston was the protector of Viget. He was respected even by the elders and trusted with religious rituals. If Bree came forward, there were sure to be those who would renounce her in an attempt to gain Elston’s favor. It wasn’t that they wouldn’t listen to reason, but as one of the youngest adults, she would hold little sway. She could hunt, live off the land, and had even helped to deliver elflings, but when it came to talking, she was always pushed aside. She didn’t stand a chance against the handsome, beloved paladin.

  Snap out of it, Bree, she thought with a shake of her head. You have other problems to worry about first, like fey magic and Lord Callannon. The more time you spend figuring out which questions to ask him now, the less time you’ll waste once you meet again.

  Homesickness hit her unexpectedly, but she still couldn’t go back. Everyone at home was better off without Elston, and they didn’t even know it. Wherever he was, she hoped he stayed and never returned. Where did Lord Callannon send him?

  It didn’t matter...except that it did. Even after everything that happened, Aubriel hoped that Elston wasn’t harmed. He deserved a bit of punishment, and to think extendedly on his abhorrent actions, but he didn’t deserve to die over what happened. She didn’t think Callannon would do that, but it would be naive to dismiss the possibility. She still knew next to nothing about the mysterious, noble fey. He had been kind to her so far, and he promised to teach her more about his magic, but there was no telling what his true intentions were.

  Why would he take such time and effort? a small part of her mind whispered. Why use me when he is obviously powerful?

  Aubriel didn’t have the answers to those questions. She could see only a part of what was at play. Sooner or later, she would know his true purpose. She couldn’t deny her curiosity at learning about fey magic. There was also that wonderful dress—even if it was just a dream. There was no harm in indulging while she could. She was sure to be left without any of it soon enough.

  Chapter 3

  Aubriel was back in the garden, aware of it before fully seeing it. The darkness of sleep gave way to golden twilight. She looked down to see the beautiful gold and white fey dress shimmering on her. There was no dirt on her skin, and her hair was pinned atop her head, just the same as during their last meeting. Callannon was at the edge of the clearing, observing a different plant this time but facing her direction.

  He looked up and smiled. “Aubriel, you look radiant.”

  She supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised, but Bree dipped her knee and bowed her head in an attempt to hide her flushed face behind a curtsy. He was so direct. She had spent the past two days composing herself and building up her walls against him. Did he realize how easily he was wrecking her work? She tugged at the skirt, trying to draw his attention away from her face. “Thank you. I’m sure the dress helps.”

  He shook his head. “You make the dress more lovely. Without you, it would simply be material.”

  She opened her mouth to argue that her skin would never look so flawlessly clean in reality, but he held out his hand for her to take, stopping her comment in her throat. She didn’t hesitate so long this time but blushed just as deeply when he bent to kiss her hand. Thankfully, he was brief and wasted no time leading her to the table and chairs in the center of the clearing. She began to sit, only to jump up for him to pull out the chair. Noble etiquette was so odd. She was grateful when they were finally sitting.

  “Tell me,” Callannon said with a warm smile, “how have you been?”

  “Living off the forest isn’t unusual for me,” Aubriel said cautiously, “even if it is a bit quiet.”

  The moment the words left her lips, she silently berated herself for giving away such a personal detail.
He looked thoughtful, and she could only imagine the ways he might use that information to his advantage. He pressed his fingertips together. “I may be able to help with that. It is my wish that you feel no anxiety or discomfort in the forest or the dreamscape, and I hope you look forward to our meetings as I do.”

  His kind face made words tumble from her. “I look forward to them as well.” There she went again, saying what she didn’t truly mean, but his expression didn’t fade. “Is it difficult for you to come to my world then? Is that why you bring me here?”

  “Yes, this is the easiest place to meet. If I need to, I may find alternative ways of contacting you. Otherwise, it is difficult for me to travel to where you are and too dangerous to bring you to me.”

  “Too dangerous?” she asked. “How so?”

  He waved his hand nonchalantly. “For starters, assassins can pose a problem.”

  “Assassins?” How could he brush away such a threat so easily?

  His smile tilted at her surprise. “Yes, but they usually target the high-standing nobles who compete against one another. Though the king is also under some danger, which can make my position perilous at times.”

  Aubriel’s hands clenched the edge of the table. Her heart twisted in concern for Callannon’s safety instead of remaining passive like it was supposed to. Maybe he was lying. No person could be so unconcerned about their life being at stake.

  Callannon continued, “Assassins are not always the greatest threat the king and I face, nor are they the most dramatic. That would be the queen on both accounts.”

  She blinked in surprise. “The queen?”

  “Yes, Queen Titania of the Summer Court, wife and constant opponent of King Oberon. She goes out of her way to make sure the king’s life is difficult. Truly though, he does not do much to help the situation.”